Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) is joining forces with British Transport Police (BTP) to promote the Railway Guardian App, designed to improve reporting of concerns and incidents on the Subway and rail network throughout Scotland.

The Railway Guardian App was initially launched last year as part of BTP’s #SpeakUpInterrupt campaign which aims to tackle violence and discrimination against women and girls while travelling. As well as encouraging the reporting of unwanted sexual behaviour, the app also includes content aimed at encouraging positive behavioural change by providing advice on how to be an active bystander. 

SPT Chief Executive Valerie Davidson said:

“We are very proud to support the Railway Guardian app and BTP to help eradicate any form of harassment to passengers both on the Subway system and the wider rail network. 

“While the Subway is a very safe form of transport, we want to be sure that our passengers know that should they witness, or be a target, of any form of unwanted attention on our network, there are several ways to report this to BTP.

“It is very important to us that all passengers feel safe while travelling on the Subway and moving around our stations.”

BTP Chief Superintendent Gill Murray said:

“The Railway Guardian App aims to reassure the public that tackling sexual harassment and crimes of a sexual nature are absolutely a British Transport Police priority, and all reports will be taken seriously by our officers.

“Passengers are encouraged to download the app as a pre-emptive step prior to travel ‘just in case’ they, or a fellow passenger, ever need BTP support while they are travelling.

“Not only does the app encourage reporting of sexual harassment, but it also includes content aimed at encouraging positive behavioural change by providing advice on what is acceptable.

“The Railway Guardian app helps the public report crimes to BTP. Via the app, the public can text 61016 or report via the BTP website.”

Passengers are encouraged to download the app as a pre-emptive step prior to travel ‘just in case’ they, or a fellow passenger, need BTP support while they are travelling.

Glasgow Subway has “wrapped” one train carriage to raise awareness of the Railway Guardian app.  The advertisement features a QR code, which passengers can use to quickly and easily download the app on their phone.

All reports made via the Railway Guardian App go straight to the BTP control room and officers can then be deployed to your nearest or next stop where appropriate.  The app also features the option to share your journey location with trusted contacts, as well as accessing guides and crime advice.  The Railway Guardian app is the only police-supported safety app in the UK.